Winsome Pinnock’s award-winning drama about a second-generation immigrant family was first staged at Liverpool Playhouse in 1987. Now, it’s back in a revival directed by Bush Theatre boss Madani Younis.

It’s the story of a single mother who came from the Caribbean to England, determined to give her daughters a better life. But as their relationship suffers, she finds herself longing for home.

When Enid takes her daughters to the local ‘obeah’ woman for some traditional Caribbean soul healing, secrets are spilled. There’s no turning back for Del, Viv and Enid as they negotiate the frictions between their countries and cultures.

Two generations. Three incredible women. ‘Leave Taking’ is one epic story of what we leave behind in order to find home. Madani Younis (The Royale) directs the contemporary revival of Winsome Pinnock’s classic, award-winning play.

Winsome Pinnock is “the godmother of Black British playwrights” (The Guardian) who defined and inspired a generation with her work for the stage. She won the George Devine Award for ‘Leave Taking’ in 1991 and was the first black British woman to have a play produced at the National Theatre. She has written numerous, award-winning plays that put black experiences centre-stage.

In 2017, Winsome’s short play The Principles of Cartography opened the newly refurbished Bush Theatre as part of Black Lives, Black Words.

Watch the trailer here:

Show Times:

Evening performances are 7:30 PM and afternoon performances 2:30 PM. The performance on 31st May is at 7:00 PM.